JAMES/Introduction

The order of the nine Hebrew Christian writings, is very interesting:  There is a careful balance in their respective aspects.  Hebrews stresses FAITH, while James insists on GOOD WORKS!  1^ST Peter places the emphasis on FUTURE HOPE, AND 2^ND Peter is all about PRESENT GROWTH IN GRACE.  The epistles of John emphasis is on LOVE and is balanced by Jude with its call to CONTEND for the faith.  The progressive lesson: matching faith by good works, future hope by present growth, and brotherly love by contending for the faith…crowned by the characteristic promise of the Apocalypse “To Him that overcometh.”

James was martyred…stoned.

Becoming Christians but had not ceased to be Jews.  The gulf between the Jews and the new Christians was not nearly so wide as we tend to think.  Those early Christians who left the Pentecost experience left with little knowledge … the Messiahship of Jesus and the barest rudiments of Christianity.  It was probably years before they ceased to be “Jews” and were entirely separated from the synagogues with a definite and complete organization of their own. 

There are many arguments which would seem to place the time of the writing as the earliest of the N. T. documents. 

THE ARGUMENT/THEME: TRUE Christian faith must express itself in practical goodness.  There is no contradiction between Paul with his primary emphasis on faith and James with his insistence on good works.  James is not arguing for good works as MEANS to salvation, BUT AS THE product OF SALVATION.  We may say that the theme of this epistle is the PROOFS OF TRUE FAITH!. 

Besides stern admonitions there are in this epistle some of the most precious promises to Christ’s people ever written by the pen of inspiration.  And the endearments expressed cut off the sharpness of admonition:  “my brothers” or “my beloved brothers.”

Faith is counting so what is not so that it might be so because God said so!  Faith is daring to do something regardless of the consequences. 

Faith without works isn’t really faith.  It is dead and a dead faith is worse than no faith at all.  Faith must work; it must produce; it must be visible.  Verbal faith is not enough; mental faith is insufficient.  Faith must move into action.  Throughout his epistle to Jewish believers, James integrates true faith and everyday practical experience by stressing that true faith “works.” Because it produces doers of the Word. 

Suppose you were given this rather curious assignment.  A human body is stretched out before you—motionless, speechless.  Your job is to determine if it is alive or dead.  How would you solve the riddle? 

One good way might be to check for breathing.  While it is possible for a person to hold his breath for a time, sooner or later—if there is life in the body—it will breathe.  In the spiritual life, the same is true.  New life demonstrates itself through spiritual “breathing”.  And the breath of the Christian is good works.  “Just as the body is dead when there is no spirit [literally breath] in it, so faith is dead if it is not the kind that results in good deeds.”  2:26

Take 3 deep breaths.  Now map out a plan for taking a spiritual breath today!  Write in the margin the names of 2 people you will see today and a “breath of fresh air” you can provide them with an unexpected kindness, a word of encouragement, a genuine compliment.